Shakushain's War: The Ainu Revolt in Hokkaido

The war began as a quarrel over resources. In 1669 Shakushain's people clashed with another Ainu clan, led by Hae, in the river basin around today's Shinhidaka. Shakushain ruled from a fort, or chashi, on the lower east bank of the Shibechari River, in what is now the Shizunai district. Its remains survive in Mauta Park, where a statue of him was raised in 1970 with donations from local people. Every 23 September a memorial service is held on Mauta hill.

Location precision: The sources place Shakushain's fort on the Shibechari River in Shizunai; the exact site on Mauta hill is not pinned.

The Matsumae clan held exclusive rights to trade with the Ainu in the north of the island, and this castle was its seat. When the feud between Shakushain and Hae threatened that trade, the clan invited both sides to Matsumae Castle City to mediate, which briefly halted the fighting. It later reignited. This is the northernmost castle in Japan. The tenshu keep burned in 1949 and a concrete replica was built in 1960; the grounds are now a public park.

Visitor guidance: The castle grounds are a public park, known for the spring cherry blossom festival.

Shakushain called on the Ainu of all Ezo to fight the Matsumae, and in June 1669 the revolt began. By the end of July 1669 his forces had marched as far as Kunnui, in today's Oshamambe, heading for Matsumae. Fighting there lasted until early August. Shakushain's side was kept from joining the Ainu of the eastern Oshima Peninsula, while the Matsumae had support from the shogunate and northeastern domains, and many guns. In 2016 Oshamambe unveiled a granite monument to the battle beside the Kunnui River.

Location precision: The sources name Kunnui and a monument by the Kunnui River; the exact battlefield is not pinned.

The war ended in a betrayal. On 16 November 1669 (23rd day of the 10th lunar month) Shakushain was killed at the Matsumae camp at Piypok, in present-day Niikappu. The war went on for about three years, but without its leader the revolt ended in surrender. The peace treaty bound the Ainu to swear allegiance to Matsumae.

Location precision: The sources name only the Piypok camp in present-day Niikappu; the pin marks the town area, not the camp.

Shakushain is still remembered in Shinhidaka. A bronze version of his statue was placed in spring 2022 in the Hanazono district, across the town from the fort hill on Mauta, where an Ainu kotan is said to have stood. The land is private and cannot be entered, but the statue can be seen from a distance.

Location precision: The source names the Hanazono district but not a street address; the pin marks the district.